Gravel cycling blends the best of road cycling and mountain biking. You ride on a mix of pavement, dirt roads, hard-packed gravel, light trails, and rougher sections—often all within the same ride. It’s a freer, more adventurous way to experience cycling, with constantly changing terrain and unpredictable conditions.
Because of gravel’s hybrid nature, choosing the right equipment—and especially the right clothing—is critical. It’s not just about comfort: your apparel must adapt to changing effort levels, fluctuating temperatures and weather, and greater exposure to dust, mud, and abrasion than traditional road riding.
A gravel ride can include long, low-speed climbs, fast descents, and muddy or rocky terrain, all of which demand durable materials and effective protection. The ideal clothing balances breathability, durability, and performance, manages moisture efficiently, dries quickly, and includes practical features such as extra storage and less compressive—but still high-performance—fits.
In this guide, we’ll cover what to wear for gravel riding, the key technical features to look for, and how to combine garments based on season and route so you can always ride in maximum comfort and protection.
What Should Gravel Cycling Clothing Offer?
Gravel apparel has different requirements than clothing designed exclusively for road cycling or mountain biking. It must be versatile, adaptable, and capable of handling variable conditions without compromising comfort or performance. From a fit perspective, the key word is balance.
Gravel rides often last many hours and include frequent transitions between smooth pavement and technical terrain. It’s also common to dismount, walk sections, take breaks, or ride long stretches at a steady pace. For this reason, gravel clothing shouldn’t be as aggressively race-fit and compressive as road gear—but it shouldn’t be overly loose either. A regular or relaxed athletic fit offers freedom of movement in the shoulders and back while avoiding pressure points around the neck and underarms. At the same time, garments should remain secure and stable during fast descents and dynamic riding. Elastic fabrics and ergonomic paneling help maintain aerodynamics and comfort without restricting mobility.
From a technical standpoint, gravel riding demands excellent temperature and moisture management due to constantly changing effort levels. Highly breathable fabrics that promote sweat evaporation are essential to prevent that uncomfortable “chill when wet” effect—especially on descents or in cooler seasons. Layering versatility is equally important, making lightweight base layers, breathable jerseys, wind vests, and packable jackets ideal choices.
Water resistance and fast-drying properties also play a major role. Durable Water Repellent (DWR) treatments on jackets, vests, and shorts can make a significant difference in light rain or damp conditions. Durability is another priority: compared to road riding, gravel apparel is more exposed to abrasion from branches, rocks, and frequent movement. Reinforced fabrics in high-wear areas increase longevity. UV protection is often overlooked, but long hours in the sun make sun-protective fabrics a smart investment for comfort and skin safety.
Finally, gravel clothing must be practical. Extra pockets—on the sides, chest, thighs, or lower back—are extremely useful for carrying layers, gloves, snacks, tools, or a power bank. Reflective details, high-visibility colors, and integrated safety features are especially valuable when riding mixed terrain or in low-light conditions.
Best Gravel Bike Clothing: 5 Essentials
Before diving into each category, here are the five essentials every gravel rider should have:
- A technical, breathable gravel jersey with generous pockets and quick-dry fabrics for demanding routes and carrying essentials.
- Gravel bib shorts, designed for long-distance comfort and reduced pressure points on uneven terrain.
- Cargo shorts, versatile and practical for riders who prefer a more relaxed fit without sacrificing performance.
- A windproof / rain jacket, lightweight, packable, and breathable for rapidly changing weather.
- Technical gloves, to absorb vibrations, improve grip, and protect hands from cold and impact.
Gravel Jersey: The Key Piece for Every Off-Road Ride
A gravel jersey made from breathable technical fabrics is a must-have for any rider. Unlike road cycling—where aerodynamics dominate—gravel jerseys prioritize a balance between ergonomic fit, protection, and freedom of movement. Off-road riding involves frequent changes in posture and body position, so the jersey should feel snug but never restrictive.
On longer rides and more demanding routes, carrying essentials becomes critical. The best gravel jerseys feature easy-access side pockets for items like smartphones or snacks, eliminating the need to reach behind your back while riding. UV protection is important for long hours under the sun, and flat seams help prevent chafing and skin irritation.
The Nalini Five Pockets Jersey features five strategically placed pockets (three traditional rear pockets and two side pockets) and is made from a compact, breathable technical fabric with micro-perforations under the arms and integrated UV protection. Its ergonomic construction keeps the jersey stable even on technical terrain.
For riders seeking a more casual aesthetic, the Ghiaia Shirt offers a slightly looser fit with Fast Dry fabric that promotes rapid sweat evaporation while remaining soft and smooth against the skin. Durable, abrasion-resistant sleeves and zippered side pockets provide both comfort and functionality.
The Gravel Wool Jersey, on the other hand, is the best interpretation of a new mood and a new manner of cycling in gravel context. Simple and essential, but precious for the fabrics used, it is made on the central body part with a blend of wool and polyester which retains the properties of both yarns.
Gravel Bib Shorts: Where the Chamois Makes the Difference
Whether men’s or women’s, bib shorts are essential for comfort on gravel. Unlike road cycling—where saddle contact is relatively consistent—gravel riding introduces constant vibration, lateral movement, frequent position changes on climbs, and dynamic motion on technical descents. A high-quality chamois must absorb shock and reduce pressure over long hours without feeling bulky or restrictive.
Bib shorts eliminate the waistband and maintain optimal positioning through ergonomic suspenders that distribute weight evenly across the shoulders. The best models combine comfort, muscle support, and moderate compression, with silicone leg grippers to keep the shorts stable during pedaling—even when sweating heavily.
The Nalini Gravel Bib Short was engineered specifically for these demands. It features a next-generation chamois with multi-density padding for sustained comfort on rough terrain. Soft microfiber straps enhance breathability and evenly distribute tension, while seamless construction in sensitive areas minimizes chafing. The Lycra Sport fabric provides effective muscle support, and laser-cut leg hems with internal silicone grip deliver a clean, secure finish.
Cargo Shorts: Versatility and Functionality for Every Route
For riders who approach gravel as an exploratory or adventure-driven experience, cargo shorts are an excellent alternative to fitted bibs. They combine everyday comfort with technical performance and are especially popular for bikepacking and mixed-use riding. The relaxed cut increases freedom of movement and airflow on hot days, while maintaining essential cycling features such as an integrated liner pad and extended rear coverage for lower-back protection.
Multiple pockets are the main advantage of cargo shorts. Zippered side pockets allow riders to carry phones, wallets, keys, and tools securely while keeping them easily accessible. Fabrics should be abrasion-resistant and treated with water-repellent coatings to handle light rain and trail conditions. Ripstop materials and reinforced panels in high-wear zones—such as the seat and inner thighs—improve durability against vegetation and rocks.
The Adventures Shorts balance mobility and functionality. The integrated padded liner provides comfort, while stretch polyamide fabric with WR treatment delivers water resistance and abrasion protection. Multiple zippered pockets enhance convenience and security, and the adjustable waist system ensures a customizable fit. Subtle reflective elements improve visibility in low-light conditions.
Gravel Jacket: Essential Protection in Any Weather
A high-quality jacket is indispensable for fall, winter, and shoulder-season gravel riding. Weather conditions can change quickly—sunshine can turn into rain within miles. The ideal jacket should be lightweight and highly packable so it can fit into a jersey pocket, yet provide reliable protection when needed. Key features include water resistance or waterproofing, breathability for moisture management, and a cycling-specific cut with an extended rear hem and articulated sleeves.
Wind protection is equally important. Even on mild days, wind chill can significantly lower perceived temperature, especially on descents. Advanced wind shells—such as the Nalini Breva Wind Jacket—combine elastic, breathable fabrics with windproof panels in exposed areas. Despite its three-layer construction, the jacket remains lightweight and packable. Reflective front and rear logos improve visibility, while three rear pockets provide additional storage for long rides.
Gravel Gloves: Comfort, Control, and Protection
Gloves are often underestimated but play a critical role in comfort and safety. Gravel surfaces transmit continuous vibration through the handlebars, which can lead to hand fatigue and numbness. Quality gloves improve grip, absorb shock, protect the palms in case of falls, and enhance overall control.
Short-finger gloves are ideal for warm weather and riders who prioritize tactile feedback, while insulated full-finger gloves are essential for colder temperatures. Winter models—such as the Logo Thermal Gloves—feature silicone grip inserts and water-resistant treatments for secure handling in wet conditions. Touchscreen-compatible fingertips, like those found on the Essential Gloves, allow riders to use smartphones or GPS devices without removing gloves.
Seasonal choice is key: lightweight breathable gloves for summer, full-finger models for spring and fall, and insulated, wind- and water-resistant gloves for winter riding.
How to Choose the Right Size and Fit for Gravel Clothing
Proper sizing is critical for performance and comfort. Even the best materials won’t perform well if the fit is incorrect—especially on long gravel rides. The ideal gravel fit sits between road cycling’s slim profile and mountain biking’s relaxed comfort: snug enough to stay stable and efficient, but not overly compressive or restrictive.
When trying on apparel, evaluate fit in a riding position rather than standing. Sleeves should reach the correct length when your hands are on the handlebars, and the rear hem should cover the lower back when bent forward. Bib straps should feel supportive without pulling on the shoulders or sagging.
Nalini provides detailed sizing charts that account for different body types, and all women’s gravel apparel is specifically designed around female anatomy to ensure optimal comfort and fit. Each garment reflects careful engineering, premium materials, and attention to craftsmanship—helping riders tackle any route with confidence, safety, and lasting comfort.